AUSTIN - British Airways will begin direct flights from Austin to London beginning in March 2014. The new route will be Austin's first transatlantic flight and is expected to bring an economic impact of $69.7 million for the first year and grow to $74 million annually after three years.

The airline will initially begin the service with five flights a week but will have daily flights in place by May 5, according to British Airways.

British Airways' plans will tie in with a proposed six- or seven-gate expansion to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport included in the airport's new master plan.